Home Insurance
As an independent insurance agency, we provide home insurance quotes from a large variety of leading insurance companies. Our priority is to protect you from the financial burden of damage to your home. Fully licensed in 25 states.
It is important to know a bit of insurance history. When Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992 all major national insurance companies sustained catastrophic losses. That prompted a mass exodus from Florida leaving smaller companies to fill the void.
Hurricane Andrew and the devastation that followed encouraged the restructuring of the Florida homeowner’s insurance system and the creation of The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association.
As a result of the restructuring, all Florida domiciled Insurance Companies are backed by the State of Florida.
Here is a link to The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association.
https://figafacts.com/frequently-asked-questions/
You will find that insurance in Florida is not like other states. Depending on the home, insurance can be a significant part of the budget. Having an experienced agent can make all the difference.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.
Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This can include damage caused by household pets.
Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant exceptions that are not covered are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Homeowners insurance is not a maintenance policy. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners’ responsibility.
Why do you need homeowner’s insurance?
It is really all about protecting yourself financially if something unexpected happens to your home or possessions. That’s important because chances are your home is likely one of your largest investments.
If your home was destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you’d need money to repair or replace it.
If a guest in your home is injured, liability protection and medical coverage help pay expenses.
If you are a victim of theft and vandalism, it can reimburse you for your loss or pay for repairs.
If you are still paying for your home, your lender will require insurance.
It is important to know that homeowner’s insurance is meant to cover unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. Ask your agent to talk about what is covered and be sure to read your policy so you know exactly what’s included and what is not.
Things to consider and questions to ask your agent.
Here are few things to discuss with your agent that will influence your decisions.
- How much will it cost to rebuild my house and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed? (Ask your agent to talk you through your home’s features and the things you own so you can make an informed decision about coverage.)
- Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
- What discounts are available? (Ask about multiple policy, security system and fire resistance discounts.)
What’s the process for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)
Wind Mitigation
In 2007 the state of Florida developed wind mitigation reports which are utilized for both condominium and single-family home structures. This means that a specialist can come to your home to take pictures and document certain building attributes such as:
- Roof Shape
- Age of Roof
- Roof Deck Attachment
- Roof to Wall Attachment
- Opening Protection
The older your home, the larger this will impact your insurance premium. It is extremely important to get one done if you have not done this to date. Please call us if you need help getting this information. We can get someone to you quickly.